Thousands of children to enjoy Christmas gift thanks to Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal

Your response to the Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal has been staggering

The appeal was launched in partnership with Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz with the support of our designated drop-off points across the city – and you responded by donating more than 3,000 gifts.

This means that thanks to you thousands of children in need will wake on Christmas Day to a present they would otherwise not have got.

Some of the toys have also been handed out to Children at Sunderland Royal Hospital by Sunderland football Club legends – and Hope 4 Kidz patrons – Micky Horswill, Kevin Ball and Kieron Brady

Viv Watts, of Hope 4 Kidz, said: “We have already donated over 3179 gifts to groups, hospice and hospitals around North East.

We have had gifts in from all over, through businesses and the general public. Without the kind support of the drop off points at the supermarkets, cafes and banks, the appeal would be hard to fulfil.

Also the Volunteers who collect from their work colleagues. It is truly amazing and staggering the generosity of the people.

“A huge thank you to all who once again have made another little life brighter for Christmas.”

“It is fantastic to see how generous people are this time of year.

“It always astounds me how many gifts are donated and the value of those gifts.

“These gifts will make a huge difference to those families who may not otherwise be able to celebrate Christmas.”

Sunderland Echo head of print and curation Gavin Foster added: “Once again the generosity of our readers is astonishing.

“Each year we launch the appeal and hope that our readers will dig deep to help those less fortunate.

“We cannot thank you enough for making the appeal the success that it is.

“In what are still very tough times, our readers have dug deep to help those less fortunate to give youngsters something special this Christmas.

“We applaud you all.”

Amont the organisation to have benefited from your generosity are Together for Children, Bernica, North and South Tyneside Refuge, Child protection, Young Carers, Centre Point, SAPS, SNYP, SCARPA, the YMCA and

Butterwick respite centre.

Some of the companies who have supported the appeal: Clictime, Tesco at The Bridges, The Hub Washington, Virgin Money at The Bridges, Fawcett Street and Durham, John Lewis, Kier, Computershare, Bunzle, Sainsburys at Fulwell and Silksworth, Sunderland North and Washington, Morrisisons at Seaburn and Doxford, Santander and MAXIM FM.

These are the main donors